† arseward, adv. and a. Obs. or dial.
Also 5–6 ars-.
[f. arse n. + -ward.]
A. adv. Backward, in a contrary direction; fig. contrariwise; perversely.
| 1401 Pol. Poems II. 64 If ȝe taken as ȝe usen arseworde this gospel. 1553 Bale Gardener's Vera Obed. Pref. H ij, Whence he can neuer escape except he com out arsewarde. 1565 Golding Ovid's Met. vii. (1593) 164 Cerberus..dragging arsward still. 1616 Fletcher Knt. Malta iv. ii, Hang arse-ward. 1877 E. Peacock Linc. Gloss., Arserd, backward. ‘Go arserds, cousin Edward, go arserds.’ |
B. adj. Backward, contrary; perverse.
| c 1500 Almanak for 1386 (1812) 12 A crab es an arsword best. 1579 Tomson Calvin's Serm. Tim. 127/1 How arse⁓ward a thing it is for euerie man to be giuen to his owne profite. 1686 G. Stuart Joco-Ser. Disc. 30 Sae take some pity on your love And do not still so arseward prove. |